2Professor Joseph Ariogboma Mogbaeyicheremi Otubu—renowned obstetrician, gynaecologist, academic, researcher, and clergyman—celebrates his 80th birthday on 2nd June 2026.
Born in 1946 to the late Elder Dr Godfrey Itse Mene Otubu, former Baba Aladura of Esocs Church, Prof. Otubu hails from Oghara in Delta State. After primary and secondary education in Enugu and Benin City, he studied at the University of Ibadan, earning his MBBS in 1971.
His postgraduate training spanned Nigeria and the UK, including posts at Newcastle General Hospital, Southampton General Hospital, and Queen Charlotte’s Hospital, London. He holds an MPH from the University of Texas, a PhD in Experimental Gynaecology from the University of London, and fellowships including FRCOG (1989) and FMCOG (1981).
Prof. Otubu became the first Nigerian to complete subspecialty training in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility at Baylor College of Medicine, Texas (1979–1981). He also trained in fallopian tube microsurgery under the world-famous Professor Lord Robert Winston.
Despite considerable international opportunities, he returned to Nigeria—a testament to true patriotism. He served at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, before moving to the University of Jos, where his impact on teaching and mentorship was profound. He established hysteroscopy and laparoscopy services, among the first in the country, and later founded a Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility unit, much of its equipment funded personally.
As Chairman of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists’ International Representative Committee (Nigeria, 1998–2003), he facilitated UK attachments for many Nigerian resident doctors. (Several, including one of this article’s authors, did not return—a reality he laments.)
In 2006, he became the pioneer Provost of the College of Health Sciences, University of Abuja, ensuring all lecturers were medically qualified—a unique standard that endures.
Prof. Otubu has supervised numerous MSc and PhD students, trained over 60 consultant obstetricians and gynaecologists (many now professors), secured multiple research grants, authored over 100 journal articles, and served as Editor-in-Chief of the Tropical Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology and the African Journal of Infertility and Assisted Conception.
A devout Christian, he earned a diploma in theology from Emmanuel College, University of Ibadan, and has held leadership roles within CAN and NIREC, including Vice President of CAN.
Now 80, he remains fit and active as Executive Director of the Centre for Reproductive Health Research, Abuja, and Visiting Professor at the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital.
The authors—his former trainees—argue that if patriotism, integrity, discipline, and impact were criteria for Nigeria’s highest honours, Prof. Otubu would be due the Grand Commander of the Federal Republic (GCFR).
He is married to Lady Josephine Aje Maria Otubu (retired Director of Audit), and they are blessed with two children, two daughters-in-law, and two grandchildren.
On his Oak Jubilee, we honour a mentor, a champion of women’s health, and a man of God. Happy 80th birthday, Mwalimu.
Authors:
· Prof. Ekele, University of Abuja
· Prof. Yakasai, Bayero University, Kano
· Prof. Daru, University of Jos
· Prof. Udoeyop, Queen’s University, Canada
